Written by: Emma and Sophie, SHEC’s Resource and Advocacy Executives
The MSU Student Health Education Centre (SHEC) is a peer-run health advocacy, information, and resource connection service available to all McMaster University students. SHEC embraces a broad definition of the term health, recognizing that well-being looks and feels different for everyone, eager to meet students wherever they are in this journey.
SHEC’s work is guided by its four main pillars: sexual reproduction and wellbeing, empowered bodies, substance use, and mental wellbeing. Together, these pillars shape how we support students in accessing resources and learning about health, as well as the various events and educational campaigns we run throughout the year.
Our entirely student-run service provides free health supplies, peer support, and educational materials through events and campaigns.
SHEC provides a wide variety of free, tangible health supplies to make wellness more accessible for all McMaster undergraduate students. These include:
All of these supplies can be accessed by visiting our in-person space during service hours, where our peer support volunteers are available to answer questions and help you access any resources you may need. For those who prefer a more discreet option, these supplies can also be obtained anonymously through our online order form.
For easy access, SHEC maintains several pregnancy test and condom dispensers in various sites across campus. Our condom dispensers can be found in MUSC, the Commons building, Mary E. Keyes Residence, and the Engineering Technology Building (ETB). Our pregnancy test dispenser is located right next to our office in MUSC.
The SHEC space also has a lending library of over 300 educational books that students can borrow, and a collection of educational pamphlets that students are welcome to take.
Last but not least, as a peer support service, SHEC offers non-judgmental, confidential, and anonymous support to McMaster students. This is available both in-person at the space and virtually for remote access. Our team of peer support volunteers is trained to provide both emotional and practical support, striving to create a safe(r) space whilst actively acknowledging the reality and validity of students’ emotions and experiences.
Curious about SHEC-ing out our services? Feel free to drop by our space at any time during our service hours or by following us on our Instagram, @msu_shec, to stay updated on upcoming events, resources, and campaigns! SHEC is located on the second floor of the McMaster University Student Center (MUSC), room 202, and is open from 9:25 AM to 7:25 PM, Monday to Friday. Please note that SHEC has reduced hours at the beginning of the fall semester and during exams and is not open during holidays. For the most up-to-date information on our hours, visit our page on Instagram.